Holding past criminals accountable by having them undergo random tests to detect drug and alcohol use can transform them into law-abiding citizens.

Seventy-five percent of those under supervision have substance abuse problems, Kirk said.

“It helps protect the public and the community at large by preventing crime,” he said.

For those court-ordered to report to parole or probation agents, they know what's at risk if their urine tests positive for alcohol or drugs.

Not only would it constitute a violation of their release from jail or prison, but for some it also could result in a new misdemeanor charge if authorities think they've tried to alter their sample to fraudulently pass their test.

If convicted of attempting to alter a sample once, an offender faces as much as a year in jail and a $1,000 fine.

Subsequent convictions may be punished by three years in prison and a $5,000 fine.

In recent months, with great assistance from the Frederick Police Department and others, authorities have been taking steps to enforce the law with renewed vigor, Kirk said.

Four Frederick County men find themselves in just that spot, and their cases are making their way through the criminal justice process, according to court records.

Grant S. Edmondson, 19, of Frederick , has a June 10 hearing scheduled in District Court; he is suspected of trying to sneak clean urine from a container into the cup March 4.

An arrest warrant has been issued for Robertson, who failed to appear in court.

Smith is to appear in District Court on June 3.

Robertson and Smith fled from Parole and Probation when the police were called.

After requesting a jury trial, Paul Joseph Costabile, 24, of Emmitsburg pleaded guilty March 5 and sentencing is set for Aug. 20, more than a year after he tried to pass a bad urine sample July 30, 2009.

State's Attorney Charlie Smith said he has no sympathy for people who try to circumvent the system trying to help them get back on track legally.

“It's bad enough that they are violating probation by doing drugs, but to commit another crime to avoid accountability makes it much worse,” Smith said.

“That's why we approved new criminal charges instead of merely violating their probation.”

“It helps protect the public and the community at large by preventing crime,” he said.

Got any evidence to back up this claim that peeing in a cup helps prevent crime? I just see it as a huge waste of money, treat addiction don't make new criminal offenses, that is just old world thinking, they need clinical treatment. Are they violent?